Sedan: 2013 Ford Fusion

2013 Ford Fusion

PHOTO: John LeBlanc, National Post

2013 Ford Fusion.

Ford

By John LeBlanc, National Post

Originally published: October 30, 2012

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The new Fusion sticks to Ford’s plan to offer slick styling, a range of downsized powertrains and plenty of high-tech features. For 2013, it eschews last year’s optional six-cylinder with a fuel economy-conscious five-engine lineup made up solely of four-bangers.

A carry-over, gas-only 2.5-litre with 175 horsepower is the starter motor. Matched to a six-speed automatic, it’s rated at 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.8 L/100 km on the highway. As the only Fusion engine available with the six-speed manual gearbox, the next-step-up 1.6L turbocharged four with 178 hp scores 8.0 and 5.3, respectively. With the autobox, it’s 8.7 and 5.5. The top-line 237-hp 2.0L turbo-four scores 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 5.9 on the highway. The “big” Fusion motor is also available with all-wheel drive.

The gasoline-electric Fusion Hybrid also returns. Its new Atkinson-cycle gas four has shrunk from 2.5 to 2.0 litres, making 141 hp and aided by an electric motor rated at 118 hp. New lithium-ion batteries and an electronic continuously variable transmission aid in the Hybrid’s impressive 4.0 L/100 km city and 4.1 highway estimates.

I drove the Fusion 1.6T with the stick, the topline Titanium 2.0T AWD and the Hybrid. Although I suspect few takers will be found for the 1.6T/manual combo, at least it adds some driving fun to what is admittedly a fuel-economy-first engine.

Surprisingly, the Titanium 2.0T AWD doesn’t feel measurably quicker than the 1.6T. It doesn’t help that the new Fusion is one of the heaviest cars in its class. As for the Hybrid, Ford claims you can drive using its e-motor alone up to 100 km/h.

Whatever Fusion I drove, the ride and handling characteristics were near the top of this admittedly crowded class. The electric steering in the 1.6T and 2.0T has some feel and is linear. And its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension deliver the type of firm yet controlled ride Audi drivers are used to. Where the Ford won’t be compared to an Audi is inside. While the build quality is up to par for this class, the materials are relatively dull in their execution.

Details aside, Ford will sell plenty of 2013 Fusions based on its looks alone. If Aston Martin ever decided to build a family sedan, it would look a lot like the Fusion.